AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING DEADLY WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS.

The bill was replaced from a one-line savings clause protecting municipal regulatory authority to a full act amending Title 11 of the Delaware Code, sections 1445 and 1448.

The original amendment's purpose of preserving municipal authority to regulate discharge of BB guns and firearms was dropped entirely in the substitute.

New criminal provision in section 1445(a)(3): a parent commits an offense by permitting a child under 16 to possess a BB gun or projectile weapon unless under direct supervision of a person 21 or older.

New provision in section 1448(a)(5) prohibiting any person under 21 from purchasing, owning, possessing, or controlling a deadly weapon or ammunition for a firearm, with an exception for lawful hunting, instruction, sporting, or recreational activity under direct supervision of someone 21 or older.

Exception for 16- and 17-year-olds target practicing with a BB gun, projectile weapon, or firearm without direct supervision: requires parent/guardian permission and completion of an approved basic hunter education course under Title 7 sections 501 and 506.

Exception for 16- and 17-year-olds hunting with a BB gun, projectile weapon, or firearm without direct supervision: requires parent/guardian permission, completed hunter education course, and possession of a valid Delaware hunting license issued by DNREC.

Superior Court is given exclusive jurisdiction over violations of section 1445(a)(3) and (a)(6).